Comparative Politics Approaches

Political Systems and Culture: A Global Perspective

All around the globe, countries have different ways of running things politically. It makes sense, right? Every nation has its own history, culture, and traditions that shape how it governs. Political culture is super important because it helps us get why people act the way they do politically in different places. When we dive into comparative politics, we're looking at all this stuff. It also includes checking out how people behave and make choices. Plus, there's the whole thing about institutional theory and why some folks call the comparative method a "quasi-experimental method." And let's not forget why being able to compare stuff is crucial for anyone studying politics.

The Role of Political Culture

Political culture's all about what people believe, practice, and think about politics. It's like their experiences and myths that form society's political behavior. Take the Philippines as an example. After Marcos was out, we saw leaders like Cory Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Erap Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Benigno Aquino III step up as presidents. Unfortunately, some of them didn't exactly boost the economy or avoid corruption scandals. People wanted change big time until Duterte showed up with his no-nonsense attitude and colorful language. Fed up with how things were going, folks voted him in as president. That's political culture at work for you! Our history also plays a part – colonized by Spain, America, Japan – it taught our ancestors to fight back against oppression. Nowadays, during this digital revolution sparked by pandemic woes and dodgy government moves like that anti-terror law giving cops too much power without due process (yikes), people are speaking up.

Behavioral vs Rational Approaches

So what about those behavioral and rational choice approaches? Well, they're both focused on individuals but come from different angles. The behavioral approach looks at how people act; basically observing them to figure out development patterns. Meanwhile rational choice thinks actions have purpose — people set goals then do stuff intending to achieve them (kinda like making decisions based on sociological/psychological factors). Both focus on individuals but differ: one observes behavior while another finds reasons behind actions aimed at achieving dreams/goals.

Institutional Theory in Politics

Institutional theory’s got a big role too when studying comparative politics; it's more about institutions shaping political behavior which affects institutions themselves! Forms include cultural cognitive (where belief creation reflects ideal society visions), normative theories defining good decisions by desired outcomes likelihoods & regulative elements associated w/change episodes like workplace norms/habits shifts…

The Importance of Comparative Methods

Comparative methods matter loads when studying politics: comparing cases brings similarities/differences out under examination leading us towards answers! It shows systems’ best/worst bits via various case studies making knowledge applicable practically speaking though often dubbed "Quasi-experimental" since social sciences/disciplines focus comes into play through group/country comparisons describing real problems faced across differing regions/groups… they vary because regulative focuses policies/work rules whereas normative targets habits/norms whilst cognitive zones-in beliefs/values thus encompassing human systems contexts encapsulating dissatisfaction/change resistance/capacity plus organizational changes...

The Art of Comparing in Political Science

Learning how-to-compare-stuff properly is super helpful especially if you're gonna be doing anything involving political science down-the-line because distinguishing good-from-bad decision-making within governments worldwide leads toward better governance understanding overall! By studying other countries’ systems & behaviors we've learned valuable lessons—like seeing success/failures potentially applicable here-in-the-Philippines… take COVID19 responses globally observed alongside Vietnam’s low infection rates despite proximity China their competence confirmed tracking cases effectively despite challenges faced made impressive study material could model research developments accordingly going forward!

Beyond merely acknowledging differences in political structures or cultures among nations, embracing comparative perspectives enables scholars to develop frameworks that address universal challenges such as climate change and inequality in governance strategies. This can lead to innovative solutions tailored to diverse socio-political landscapes worldwide. Furthermore, aspiring politicians should prioritize international collaboration beyond mere competition; fostering dialogue and sharing best practices can transform national policies profoundly. Ultimately though learning political cultures elsewhere isn’t wrong gives us massive advantages even if certain governmental figures (*cough* Cynthia Villar) fail appreciate importance research itself! Educating broader audiences vital ensure future relevance especially aspiring politicians/legal professionals keen exploring new knowledge application possibilities resulting useful insights gained throughout studies undertaken ultimately proving beneficial nationwide long-term thinking beyond immediate goals pursued presently shaping tomorrow progressively thereafter...

References:

• Almond, G., & Verba, S. (1963). The Civic Culture: Political Attitudes and Democracy in Five Nations.
• Inglehart, R., & Welzel, C. (2005). Modernization, Cultural Change and Democracy: The Human Development Sequence.
• Huntington, S.P. (1996). The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order.
• Lijphart A.(1971). Comparative Politics Methodology Perspectives Revisited Post Behavioral Approach Era.
• Strom K.J(2000) “American Exceptionalism Comparative Perspective” Policy Review Journal.